Susan Wittig Albert

MysteryCozy MysteryFictionWomen's Fiction

Biography

Susan Wittig Albert is a prolific author best known for her beloved China Bayles mystery series. With over 30 titles to her name, Albert has captivated readers with her expertly crafted blend of mystery, herbal lore, and small-town charm. Born in Illinois, Albert earned her Ph.D. in English at the University of California, Berkeley before forging a successful career as a writer. In addition to the China Bayles series, she has authored several other popular mystery series, including the Darling Dahlias and the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter. Albert's writing has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following of readers who appreciate her richly detailed plots, strong character development, and expertly researched settings. Her deep love of nature and plants shines through in her work, as she weaves botanical knowledge seamlessly into her mysteries. When she's not writing, Albert can be found tending to her herb garden or exploring the countryside near her Texas home. Her passion for storytelling and deep connection to the natural world infuse her work with a unique warmth and depth that continues to captivate readers worldwide.

Standalone Novels

Individual novels by Susan Wittig Albert not part of a series

  • A Dilly of a Death
  • An Unthymely Death: And Other Garden Mysteries
  • Bloodroot
  • HANGMAN'S ROOT
  • Hangman's Root
  • Indigo Dying
  • Mistletoe Man
  • Mistletoe Man )
  • Rosemary Remembered
  • THYME OF DEATH
  • The Tale Of Hill Top Farm
  • Witches' Bane
  • Work of Her Own: How Women Create Success and Fulfillment Off the Traditional Career Track

China Bayles

Books in the China Bayles series by Susan Wittig Albert

  • Chile Death: A China Bayles Mystery
  • Chile Death: A China Bayles Mystery )
  • Lavender Lies: A China Bayles Mystery
  • Love Lies Bleeding: A China Bayles Mystery
  • Rosemary Remembered: A China Bayles Mystery
  • Rueful Death: A China Bayles Mystery
  • Thyme of Death: A China Bayles Mystery

Classic Series

The series that started it all

  • Thyme of Death
  • Witches' Bane
  • Rueful Death

Recent Series

Latest works by the author

  • Bleeding Hearts
  • Death of a Garden Pest

Reading Order

Complete reading order for Susan Wittig Albert's books

1Standalone Novels
2China Bayles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the China Bayles series about?

The China Bayles series follows the adventures of herbalist and amateur sleuth China Bayles in the small town of Pecan Springs, Texas.

How many books are in the China Bayles series?

As of now, there are over 25 books in the China Bayles series written by Susan Wittig Albert.

What inspired Susan Wittig Albert to write the China Bayles series?

Susan Wittig Albert's background in herbalism and gardening inspired her to create the character of China Bayles, an herbalist detective.

Are the China Bayles books standalone mysteries or do they need to be read in order?

While each book in the China Bayles series contains its own mystery to be solved, there are ongoing character developments that make reading them in order beneficial.

Does Susan Wittig Albert incorporate herbal knowledge and recipes into her China Bayles books?

Yes, Susan Wittig Albert includes herbal knowledge, gardening tips, and recipes in each of her China Bayles books to provide an educational and immersive reading experience.